FDA revokes EUAs for hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine for COVID-19 treatment

The Food and Drug Administration today said it no longer authorizes the use of hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine as an effective treatment of COVID-19.

FDA cited serious side effects, such as cardiac adverse events, in its decision, stating that it considered results from a large trial and found neither drug to “be effective in treating COVID-19, nor is it reasonable to believe that the known and potential benefits of these products outweigh their known and potential risks.” FDA said patients who have already been administered the drugs that were distributed under the original emergency use authorization may continue their use if deemed necessary by physicians.